I was is a lazy mood today. I had no motivation to do the shopping so I took a look at what I already had (which in fact was very limited). I was delighted to discover this simple recipe. Possibly the name of shakshuka is not known to many, but as exotic as it sounds you will learn that it is in fact far from unusual but when I explain to you what it actually is, you will want to try it as soon as possible. In fact, you have probably enjoyed a similar dish, it is just a few eggs with red pepper and tomato after all.
Shakshuka is defined as poached eggs in a tomato sauce with onions and chilli. This is a traditional dish of Arabian cuisine, although there are similar recipes in other gastronomic cultures like Spanish and Mexican. The particularity of this dish is that it is usually served directly in a tajine or frying pan. There are many variations and it is served both at breakfast and at dinner served simply with fresh bread for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Serves: 2
1 tbsp olive oil
1⁄2 large onion, sliced
1⁄2 red or green pepper, deseeded and sliced
1 small red chilli, deseeded and sliced
200g canned chopped tomatoes
1 tsp caster sugar
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs
small bunch parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a heavy based frying pan. Stir in the sliced onion, red or green pepper and sliced chilli. Cook until they begin to soften. Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar and mix well. Cook until the liquid has reduced and then season.
2. Using a wooden spoon, create two pockets in the tomato mixture and crack the eggs into them. Cover the pan and cook the eggs over a low heat until just set.
3. Sprinkle with parsley and serve from pan